THANKSGIVING

“Thanksgiving Day”:  is described as “a public holiday in the US (on the fourth Thursday in November) and in Canada (on the second Monday in October), originally to give thanks to God for the Harvest and for health” [Hornby, AS & Others. Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 2014].

Indeed, Thanksgiving has a long-established history in some states and despite the differences in dates on which and exactly how it is commemorated, the rationale for it remains largely the same. 

In my home country, South Africa, we do not officially celebrate Thanksgiving, although of course, some people do so in as many different ways they deem fit. However, having been in a situation that for the second consecutive year now, I have been part and parcel of this wonderful tradition, I would never want to miss another celebration no matter where I find myself in future times.

This year, my class was mandated to specifically focus on our drivers at school. To me, this choice was not simply coincidence! Not only are most of the Grade 8 students, on a daily basis, relying on the goodwill and care of these few individuals, but also most of us living on campus. To have been placed in a position to honor them, was by itself a real privilege to me. Having heard the students’ words of praise (for our drivers), and their enormous role in preparing the poster which they finally presented, really made my day and hopefully those special ones whom we have honored.

Being genuinely grateful, is one characteristic I have always valued sincerely. The whole process of this poster being planned, designed and coming together, was absolutely amazing. I was in awe of the enormous talent of the students in my homeroom class, their energetic enthusiasm and excited bantering (sometimes a bit silly, but then, why not?), their dedication in preparing their final product in the limited time available, the gleam of pride in their eyes, and the warm smiles upon being praised… it was an absolutely priceless experience!!!

As the seasons of life move on for all of us, we all need to live with and through them. Personally, fall and winter have never been my favorite seasons; however, there are times when we all experience falls and most certainly, winters. All for a good reason. There comes a time to slow down certain aspects of our lives, to trim them, and even letting go of them during the winters of our live, and then when spring arrives, to be revitalised with sprouting new growth, energy and perspectives.

As much as I wish it for myself, I wish upon you (and you, and you, and you…) a peaceful Fall and Winter, sufficient time to reflect on the harvest of your previous year with an abundance of gratitude, to be able to let go of unwanted elements in your life, and to be invigorated and eventually gleam in a new Season of glory.